Decorating
Styling: 9 Tricks to Boost Your Home's Appeal for Less Than £50
Whether you’re selling or just looking to freshen up a little, check out these inexpensive ways to transform your home
Adding value to a property shouldn’t solely be of interest to those who are planning to sell or let in the near future. The majority of us are not living in our ‘forever home’, and people can be reluctant to invest in improving a property they don’t see themselves being in for all that long. But many of the small improvements people make when preparing to sell not only add potential value, they increase the owner’s enjoyment of their home. So whether you’re selling or not, consider these small improvements you can make for less than £50 (and a little elbow grease).
Add accent lighting
A few cleverly positioned floor lamps, table lamps or even fairy lights can make a world of difference to the atmosphere of a room. These items can be picked up relatively cheaply on the high street, so it’s worth shopping around.
Bear in mind you can change the tone of a light by swapping the bulb for either a whiter or warmer glow.
A few cleverly positioned floor lamps, table lamps or even fairy lights can make a world of difference to the atmosphere of a room. These items can be picked up relatively cheaply on the high street, so it’s worth shopping around.
Bear in mind you can change the tone of a light by swapping the bulb for either a whiter or warmer glow.
Pull in a plant or two
There are few rooms in the home that can’t be improved by an appropriately chosen piece of greenery. Remember to keep it in proportion, though – no mini rainforests please – and only go for things you know you’ll be able to maintain easily.
Potted plants as opposed to cut flowers are generally preferable, as they are less likely to wilt on you.
Check out ways to inject life into your home with indoor plants
There are few rooms in the home that can’t be improved by an appropriately chosen piece of greenery. Remember to keep it in proportion, though – no mini rainforests please – and only go for things you know you’ll be able to maintain easily.
Potted plants as opposed to cut flowers are generally preferable, as they are less likely to wilt on you.
Check out ways to inject life into your home with indoor plants
Pick up a paintbrush
While you might not be able to paint your whole property for less than £50, if you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves, you’ll certainly be able to do a room or two, and it’s unquestionably worth the effort. It instantly freshens up a space, and you can even be a bit bolder with your colour choice to transform the mood.
While you might not be able to paint your whole property for less than £50, if you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves, you’ll certainly be able to do a room or two, and it’s unquestionably worth the effort. It instantly freshens up a space, and you can even be a bit bolder with your colour choice to transform the mood.
Freshen your front door
They say first impressions count, and this is just as true with our homes. Create a welcoming entrance and guests will build positive expectations that can easily be reinforced.
Sprucing up your front door is not solely about giving it a lick of paint – consider the door furniture, too. A smart and clearly visible house number or name is a must. Alternatively you could add some shining new ironmongery, such as a door knocker or letterbox, or even just a smart new doorbell.
They say first impressions count, and this is just as true with our homes. Create a welcoming entrance and guests will build positive expectations that can easily be reinforced.
Sprucing up your front door is not solely about giving it a lick of paint – consider the door furniture, too. A smart and clearly visible house number or name is a must. Alternatively you could add some shining new ironmongery, such as a door knocker or letterbox, or even just a smart new doorbell.
Clear your windowsills
While a few well-place accent lights can change the tone of a room, you simply can’t beat a good dose of natural light. Although you can’t fit a skylight or sliding doors for less than £50, you can make some minor changes that will bring in more light – and cost you absolutely nothing.
Do your best to keep windows clear of clutter to allow maximum daylight to flood into your home. This doesn’t mean you have to remove your window dressings, such as curtains or blinds, as they add an important decorative element – just try to keep them as open as possible during the day so they don’t obstruct the light.
Avoid too many items on windowsills, as well, to keep the view unhindered and the light flooding in. And don’t forget to clean your windows – it can make a huge difference.
While a few well-place accent lights can change the tone of a room, you simply can’t beat a good dose of natural light. Although you can’t fit a skylight or sliding doors for less than £50, you can make some minor changes that will bring in more light – and cost you absolutely nothing.
Do your best to keep windows clear of clutter to allow maximum daylight to flood into your home. This doesn’t mean you have to remove your window dressings, such as curtains or blinds, as they add an important decorative element – just try to keep them as open as possible during the day so they don’t obstruct the light.
Avoid too many items on windowsills, as well, to keep the view unhindered and the light flooding in. And don’t forget to clean your windows – it can make a huge difference.
Select a scent
This is quite a delicate one. There’s a fine balance when it comes to changing the odour of your home – do nothing and unpleasant smells might linger, do too much and you’ll overpower anyone who walks through the door. We’ve found that reed diffusers are a very effective way to provide a subtle aroma to your property without going over the top. What’s more, they are often quite pretty and can contribute to the décor.
This is quite a delicate one. There’s a fine balance when it comes to changing the odour of your home – do nothing and unpleasant smells might linger, do too much and you’ll overpower anyone who walks through the door. We’ve found that reed diffusers are a very effective way to provide a subtle aroma to your property without going over the top. What’s more, they are often quite pretty and can contribute to the décor.
Create a spa feel
Bathrooms shouldn’t solely be seen as practical places where cleansing takes place, they should also be somewhere you can relax and unwind. Adding a few fresh towels, lotions and candles to a bathroom can help transform your daily routine, and if you do decide to put your home on the market, they’ll help sell a lifestyle, not just a property.
See ways to bring spa style serenity back home
Bathrooms shouldn’t solely be seen as practical places where cleansing takes place, they should also be somewhere you can relax and unwind. Adding a few fresh towels, lotions and candles to a bathroom can help transform your daily routine, and if you do decide to put your home on the market, they’ll help sell a lifestyle, not just a property.
See ways to bring spa style serenity back home
Boost your bedding
Clean (and probably white) cotton bed linen on a well-made bed is so simple to do, and yet is often overlooked. It provides an image of comfort and relaxation, and will make your sleep space an inviting and fresh place to be. If you’re trying to sell, it’s a great way to help the prospective owners imagine themselves in your property.
TELL US…
Do you have any helpful tips to freshen a home on a budget? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments below.
Clean (and probably white) cotton bed linen on a well-made bed is so simple to do, and yet is often overlooked. It provides an image of comfort and relaxation, and will make your sleep space an inviting and fresh place to be. If you’re trying to sell, it’s a great way to help the prospective owners imagine themselves in your property.
TELL US…
Do you have any helpful tips to freshen a home on a budget? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments below.
The human brain can easily be tricked, and mirrors are great at creating the illusion of space and bouncing light around a room. Be careful not to go overboard, as you don’t want to be constantly coming face to face with your reflection, but if positioned cleverly, a mirror will work hard at making a space seem bigger than it actually is.